Things to Do in Philly That Don't Just Include Eating a Cheesesteak

Philadelphia is one of our most historic cities, with colonial gems like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, but the of City of Brotherly Love has plenty more to make you fall for it. Browse among masterpieces in its museums, dine in trendy Fishtown restaurants, and get some fresh air along the recently expanded Schuylkill River Trail. Here are the top things to do in Philly — and you can bet trying a cheesesteak is one of them.

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2What to Do: Explore Museums

One of the top things to do in Philly is to take in the world-class collection of Impressionist paintings from the likes of Renoir and Cézanne in the Barnes Foundation museum. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is known for treasures like Winslow Homer paintings and rare Chinese porcelain. When you're done exploring the exhibits, don't forget to take a pic at the famous Rocky steps.

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3What to Do: Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market, one of the country's oldest public markets, sells everything from fresh produce to Amish goods like soft pretzels and shoo-fly pies. It's also a popular lunch spot with stands like DiNic's, which sells Italian roast pork sandwiches (messy, but worth it!). While you can get Philly cheesesteaks here, it's better to try them at Pat's or Geno's, which are across from one another (and always in competition).

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4Where to Stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia

Around the corner from the Liberty Bell, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco (from $159 per night,hotels.com) has a prime location for checking out all the colonial-era sites (not to mention Independence Beer Garden). This stylish boutique property has color-rich rooms and a buzzing lobby, and its on-site restaurant, the Red Own Tavern, is the perfect spot for lunch.

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5Where to Stay: Loews Philadelphia Hotel

Housed in the landmark PSFS Bank Building, the 33-floor Loews Philadelphia Hotel (from $149 per night,expedia.com) features rooms with midcentury modern decor and picture windows with awesome views all the way down Market Street to the Delaware River. Plus, its Bank & Bourbon restaurant has one of the best burgers in town.

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6Where to Stay: The Rittenhouse Hotel

Located on leafy Rittenhouse Square, the Rittenhouse Hotel (from $314 per night,priceline.com) is Philly's classic hotel, and it's fresh from a $10 million makeover. The marble and crystal chandeliers have been spiffied up, as has the Mary Cassatt Tea Room. Newly added is the Library Bar, an intimate wood-paneled lounge with leather accents and killer martinis.

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7Where to Eat: Wm. Mulherin's Sons

A former whiskey-bottling facility in trendy Fishtown has been transformed into Philly's restaurant of the moment, Wm. Mulherin's Sons. The dining room has reclaimed wooden floors and a cozy fireplace, and the menu specializes in wood-fired artisanal pizzas. On the other hand, if you like the vibe to be industrial chic, you can stay in its recently opened four-room hotel located above the restaurant.

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8Where to Eat: Talula's Garden

Amid a farmhouse chic decor, dine on seasonal dishes at Talula's Garden, from restaurateurs Aimee Olexy and Stephen Starr (he owns more than a dozen Philly restaurants, like Continental and Barclay Prime). Cheese fans will appreciate the on-staff cheese monger, who'll prepare a plate that includes goat and blue from nearby Chester County.

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9Where to Eat: Vernick Food & Drink

Housed in a brownstone just off Rittenhouse Square, Vernick Food & Drink is helmed by chef-owner Greg Vernick, who worked in numerous restaurants in Jean-Georges Vongerichten's culinary empire before venturing out on his own. The New American menu features a mix of small and large plates (chargrilled octopus, veal flank steak), and there's a creative hand-crafted cocktail list.

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